“Trade is not about goods. Trade is about information. Goods sit in the warehouse until information moves them.”— C. J. Cherryh, American writer.

A transfer of ownership of tangible goods between firms located in different countries is known as general merchandise trade. This classification specifically leaves out certain items such as goods involved in trade transactions, non-monetary gold, and the part of broader classifications like travel, construction, and government-related goods and services. This measure combines the value of both exports and imports of merchandise, which is typically expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Thus, GDP is an indicator that helps to assess the importance of trade in goods to countries overall economic activity. Global trade agreement statistics are a key component of economic data, directing the movement of goods across borders. They provide specific information on imports and exports between countries and are used by a diverse array of stakeholders, businesses, economists, and international organizations, including government institutions, researchers, and the general public. These statistics are multifunctional, from supporting economic planning and policymaking by updating international trade negotiations to evaluating governance with trade agreements.

Government depends on trade data to analyze countries economic performance, in particular their trade balance, which indicates the difference between a nation’ exports and imports. This acts as a guideline for trade-related development policies to identify tariff procedures and understand decisions in areas like custom regulation, and free trade. Global organizations use trade statistics to analyze the economic activities of different regions, observe global trade trends, and evaluate the impact of economic shocks or policy measures. For firms, merchandise trade statistics are important for developing strategic decisions. They help to identify potential trade markets, which access global demand for particular products, ascertain competitive benefits, and make-or-by decisions.

Organizations also use this data to determine supply chain difficulties and opportunities in both established and developing markets. In the global economic landscape, these statistics are essential to aggregating key indicators such as balance of payments and national accounts. They also provide perspective on global trade flows, shifts in product demands, and the supply chain integration of nations. The statistical data assists the economists and investors to understand economic health, forecast future trends, and determine regions for growth or potential decline by indicating both trade volumes and values. The international merchandise trade statistics show an in-depth view of global trade dynamics. (UNCTAD) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development data examines that global trade rose by 3.4%, or around $1.2 trillion, to maintain the highest record of $33 trillion in 2024. This rise was precisely supported by the service sector, which improved by 9% and contributed around $700 billion; approximately 60% of the total trade growth has been accounted for. On the other hand, merchandise trade increased by 2%, incorporating around $500 billion. Efficiency in trade is eclectic across areas and sectors. They are essential for formulating macroeconomic policies, implementing market research, predicting investing prospects, and improving the knowledge of global economic integration. Most of the regions grew, while Europe and Central Asia captured reductions. Industries like agriculture and food products, transportation, and communication technology executed firmly, while energy, clothing, and extractive sectors faced downturns due to declines in demand and regulatory changes. Though the pace of growth was weak in the second half of the year. In the fourth quarter, trade in goods rises by less than 0.5% and 1% of services. Inflation in trade values compressed as global prices settled, indicating the ease of prior inflationary pressures. Emerging nations, especially those in East and South Asia, were the important drivers of trade export growth. Their trade increased by 4% throughout the year and 2% in the previous quarter. South-South trade also displayed reliable output, increasing 5% annually and 4% in Q4.

Global trade averages were surpassed by economies like China and India, while trade activity continued to be weak in Russia, South Africa, and Brazil, with modest improvements throughout the year. However, developed economies revealed minimal activity, where trade largely remained stable over the year and fell 2% in the last quarter. In 2024, trade barriers became more intensified. The U.S. trade deficit with China broadened to be $355 billion, increasing by $14 billion in the last quarter, despite its deficit with the EU attained $241 billion, increasing by $12 billion. Yet, the EU moved from a trade deficit to a surplus, even though China’s export power steered its trade surplus to its superior level since 2022. However, global trade held constant at the start of 2025; surging geopolitical risks, protectionist policies, and trade barriers recommend potential turbulence ahead. A downturn in the shipping activity points to a slowdown in demand for goods and raw materials as firms adapt to unstable conditions. The significant barrier for 2025 is to neglect the risk of uncoordinated trade blocs while directing policy changes in a way that provides long-term stability in global trade. Recently, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported a rapid growth in global merchandise trade during the initial phase of 2025, with trade volumes rising by 5.3% measured to the same quarter in 2024 and also by 3.6% over the prior quarter in 2024. This progress was largely influenced by a sharp increase in North American imports, as businesses enhanced purchases in front of an expected tariff increase in the U.S. Although the WTO forecast a downturn in trade for the upcoming year, mentioning the causes of high inventory levels, increased tariffs, and undermining global demand. As a result, the global merchandise trade is predicted to fall by 0.2% for the whole year.

The major regional increase in imports was in North America, which witnessed (13.4%) gain quarterly. Subsequent rises occurred (3.6%) in South and Central America and the Caribbean, (1.3%) in Europe, (1.1%) in Asia, 5.1% in Africa, and (3.1%) in the Middle East. Export activity improved across several regions, with the Middle East leading with (6.3%), followed by Asia with (5.6%), (3.2%) in South America with (2.5%) Africa with (1.9%) in Europe, with (1.8%) and North America. When analyzing trade by product categories, multiple industries experienced strong annual growth in value. Office and telecom equipment reached the highest gain (16%) as highest gain, whereas chemicals rose by (12%) and (7%) of clothing. On the other hand, some sectors faced decline in value, among (4%) down on automotive products as well as fuels and mining products and (3%) decline in iron and steel. Although the first quarter’s achievements exceeded initial projections, the World Trade Organization alerts that additional trade imbalances and enduring economic pressures could hinder upcoming momentum.